A SERIES
#4 Cincinnati Bengals 6-11
The Bengals remain a puzzle, mainly, because they haven’t completed a full season with Joe Burrow. For the entire 2020 season, until his injury, Burrow was running for his life. For this reason, the Ja’marr Chase pick was confusing. Another WR was not necessary for a team already busting with talented receivers. Burrow could use some reinforcement at O-line, which is where the Bengals failed to help. Meanwhile, Joe Mixon is still a star and receiver Tyler Boyd could be set up for a big year. However, offensive and defensive issues will stop them from going much farther.
#3 Pittsburgh Steelers 7-10
The Steelers may be quickly fading into the lower sections of the NFL. Big Ben is no longer the QB of his youth with his crippled arm strength and other injuries. Unfortunately, the receivers experienced drop issues in 2020, for instance, Dionte Johnson’s league leading stat. Furthermore, the offensive line is weak and the Steelers did not address the need in the draft. Najee Harris is a fantastic pick, but Pittsburgh continues to have a lot of immediate offensive holes. On the other hand, the defensive side of the ball is still potent! TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick are impressive and Devin Bush should return to his 2019 form following his 2020 injury. But with the Browns and Ravens, I can’t rank the Steelers above third.
Read more about problems in Pittsburgh: A Rip in the Steel Curtain.
#2 Baltimore Ravens 12-5
The Ravens are the wild card in this division, and their season is contingent on Lamar Jackson’s performance. Jackson didn’t boast MVP numbers last year, but he will have more weapons in 2021. The Ravens drafted WR Rashod Bateman in the first round. Good pick. However, he will be splitting targets with Marquise Brown, Mark Andrews, and Willie Snead. JK Dobbins is heading into his second year and will be getting the majority of carries in the backfield with Gus Edwards. But, again, it’s up to Jackson.
#1 Cleveland Browns 13-4
Yes, I’ve ranked the Cleveland Browns as the best in this division. So much talent. Baker Mayfield had a bounce-back 2020 season following a lackluster 2019. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are the best running back tandem in the NFL. Jarvis Landry broke out as the star receiver in 2020, due to OBJ’s injury. Austin Hooper was subpar in 2020; however, with a healthy David Njoku, they could be a dangerous pair. On the defensive side of the ball, Myles Garrett and recent addition Jadeveon Clowney will bring the pass rushing heat. The secondary is questionable, but first round selection Greg Newsome will complement All-Pro Denzel Ward. Cleveland may be making a run in 2021.
